"Short or long-term postpartum backache from bruising caused by the injection or from ligament strain caused by prolonged time spent in a damaging position or inappropriate movement (for example, extreme passive flexion of the mother's trunk, hips and knees during the second stage, or sudden vigorous movements of the mother) while her muscles are relaxed and her back is numb (up to 19%). Long-term backache is almost twice as likely to occur with an epidural than without."

 

If you are wondering about whether or not to have an epidural when you give birth, read the entire article, which is entitled, " Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Epidural." The article is by  Penny Simkin